Overview & Reviews

The Ford Expedition is a full-size sport-utility vehicle based on Ford's popular full-size pickup truck platform. With rear- or four-wheel drive and seating for as many as nine adults, the Expedition has long been on the short list of vehicle choices for full-size families as well as anyone who needs the combination of versatility and grunt provided by a large SUV.

Big, tall and heavy, the Ford Expedition is every inch a truck, its large body wrapped around a comfortable and spacious cabin. The latest generation of the Expedition doesn't feel as cumbersome to drive as its extravagant dimensions and hefty weight suggest, but you'll still be reminded of just how full-size the Expedition is at the gas pump. In many cases, a large crossover SUV would be a better new or used vehicle choice given the advantages in fuel economy, handling and comfort. And if you really need something big and tow-worthy, other traditional SUVs like the Chevy Suburban are also worth a look.

Current Ford Expedition
The current Ford Expedition is offered in two lengths -- standard and EL -- and three trim levels: XLT, Limited and King Ranch. The EL has a 12-inch longer wheelbase and nearly 15 inches of additional overall length. The biggest reasons to consider the EL are the massive cargo space behind the third-row seat (more than twice that of the standard Expedition) and the longer rear doors that ease entry into the third row.

All Expeditions are powered by a 5.4-liter V8 that produces 310 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. As with most full-size SUVs, the Expedition is offered with a choice of rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.

The well-equipped XLT comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, air-conditioning, a power driver seat, power-adjustable pedals, a sliding and reclining 40/20/40-split second-row seat, Ford's voice-operated Sync system, Bluetooth and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio, an iPod/USB interface and rear audio controls. Limited highlights include 20-inch polished wheels, a rearview camera, a power liftgate and a leather-lined, truly luxurious interior. The King Ranch adds special two-tone paint, unique wheels, upgraded leather upholstery and wood accents. Options include a load-leveling rear suspension, navigation, heated and cooled seats and a rear-seat entertainment system.

The Ford Expedition features fold-flat second-row seats as well as available power-folding third-row seatbacks that together create a wide, flat cargo floor. Families with infants will appreciate the sliding center position of the second-row seat, which can bring a child in a safety seat up to 11 inches closer to the front-seat passengers.

In reviews we've found Ford's full-size SUV pleasant to drive for a big SUV thanks to precise steering and a comfortable ride quality. In most situations, the 5.4-liter V8 provides decent performance. Take on a full load of passengers and cargo or hitch up a large trailer, however, and the engine's weakness becomes all too apparent. Shoppers who expect to regularly fill the cabin with passengers and/or tow heavy loads might want to consider the Ford's few rivals, which offer more available power.

Used Ford Expedition Models
The current, third-generation Ford Expedition is the product of a major refresh conducted for 2007. However, whereas previous-generation Expeditions could hold up to nine passengers, the current generation holds only eight, due to standard front bucket seats. Changes have been minimal; the most notable occurred for 2009 when the Expedition got Ford's Sync multimedia voice control system, and the following year, when trailer sway control was added.

The second-generation Ford Expedition was introduced for the 2003 model year. Compared to the current generation, the styling was different and a less stiff chassis resided underneath. Ride and handling were not as good, and the standard automatic transmission had only four gears. There were also fewer available features, including three-row side curtain airbags. However, compared to its predecessor, this Expedition was a vast improvement -- specifically in regards to driving dynamics, thanks to its independent rear suspension. It was also the first SUV to offer power fold-into-the-floor rear seats, a feature that its General Motors rivals wouldn't receive for more than a decade.

Engines for this second-generation model consisted of a 232-hp 4.6-liter V8 and a 260-hp 5.4-liter V8. For 2005, Ford dropped the smaller engine and increased the 5.4-liter V8's output to 300 hp. The model line eventually proliferated from four trim levels at its debut (including an off-road version called FX4) to six for 2006, including the opulent, western-themed King Ranch edition. Safety-minded shoppers should know that all years of this generation came with stability control, with tire-pressure monitors becoming available with the 2004 models.

In reviews, we thought this Expedition competed favorably with its contemporary competitors from General Motors, Nissan and Toyota. If there was one area of contention -- especially in pre-'05 models -- it was a lack of muscle. On the whole, though, this edition of Ford's big SUV provided solid handling for a vehicle of its size. It still felt like a big SUV, but the steering was decently weighted and body roll was well controlled around turns. The ride could be a tad harsh on rough roads, but overall, it was a comfortable cruiser.

Launched for the 1997 model year, the original Ford Expedition was met with heaps of praise. Its dimensions fell between those of the short-wheelbase and long-wheelbase versions of the GM sport-utilities at the time, enabling it to both accommodate a third-row seat and fit inside a normal garage, albeit tightly. With a front bench seat, it could carry up to nine passengers.

The first-generation Ford Expedition came in just two trim levels: XLT and the more luxurious, two-tone Eddie Bauer. Both featured interior architecture that was nearly identical to the F-Series pickup, which offered good ergonomics but was rendered in lamentable materials. Its 215-hp 4.6-liter and 230-hp 5.4-liter V8 engines also could not keep up with the stronger motors from its primary competitors, a deficiency that was addressed in 1999 with a horsepower bump for both engines, of 25 and 30, respectively.

User Reviews:

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  I love my Expedition - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By Patrick Powell - September 12 - 2:00 am

  I have had nothing but great experiences with this truck. I have taken numerious trips in this SUV with my three children and the have been very comfortable. We have always had plenty of room when on the road and the ride and handleing was GREAT! Im actually getting ready to purchase another!!!

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  Great Value - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By Chris from NC - September 7 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my truck five years and only one problem and that was with the tires. Im not nuts about the new body style and feel that I still have 100,000 miles left in my rig so I dont think I will trade this one in till I find something better,

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  Great Package - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Skidder - September 4 - 2:00 am

  We went shopping for a Toyota Sequoia and ended up buying a Ford Expedition. The two primary reasons for NOT buying the Sequoia were its 3rd row seats and NO LUMBAR SUPPORT for either front seat. The Ford excels over the Toyota in these two areas, as well as having a better ride. Having 4 kids, we needed all the neat seat configurations available in the Expy. If you have one in a car seat, Ford made the center seat on the 2nd row just for that. It slides forward 11 inches to bring the little munchkin right up between the drive and passenger. Which reminds me of the ONLY OPTION on ours; captains chairs up front (because we didnt need seating for 9).

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  Fun Beast - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By guru - September 3 - 2:00 am

  This was my first Expedition. I have since bought a 2002 Bauer for my wife and she loves it. We have three kids and there arent many vehicles that you can put three car seats across. I have the 4.6L in both and I think they have great power. Gas mileage is awful but what do you expect from a beast like this.

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  THE FUN CAR - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Virginia Cobarrubias - August 30 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is a very nice and comfortable vehicle it has my kids and my approval. i also think that it will be a very faithful and dependable SUV.

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  the best beast - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By kinesis - August 28 - 2:00 am

  the beast is the best. quality,ergonomics,nvh,power,visibility,stability,manueverability,structural integrity,comfort,sight line to traffic. negatives:brakes(now addressed in 2003 model),steering is fine but needs monitoring at cruising speed.(again addressed in 2003 model). all in all a solid performer and well executed truck with luxury features and an almost limo ride, formed in textures and design that should please almost everybody. nice work ford! Kinesis.

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  Too many glitches...... - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By jmurray - August 25 - 2:00 am

  Bought Jumbo w/30k as it came off of Ford Exec lease program. Nice looking EB version. Good thing I got the extended warantee program 6ys/75k as the car has had fairly continual electric and mechanical problems (starter, engine mgmt system, rear wiper motor, etc....) Wife wont drive it anymore as shes been towed to the dealer 2 times. Jumbo currently is running rough and has the check engine light lit and the airbag failure light on, so into the shop we go manana. Might need to sell before winter. Not considering another Expedition. Nice concept, poor delivery. Dealers not too helpful either.

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  A REAL SUV - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By boyd evans - August 24 - 10:00 am

  Great tow vehicle, very comfortable and pleased with truck. this is my 5th Ford SUV( 4 Explorers. Front axle replaced at 10k, roof rack collapsed and Ford declined to fix, may be time to switch back to GM.

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  eddie bauer expedition - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By keith ingram - August 23 - 2:00 am

  The Ford Expedition is an awesome travelling vessel. It is spacious, distinctive and comes from the factory looking great with chrome wheels, leather, above average factory sound system. The third seat snaps up a lot easier than the newer models (I found in the newer models the third seat goes down easy, but is difficult to get back up). The color selections available make it hard to choose "the right color" because all colors look great. We Love our Expedition.

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  Buy this car - 2017 Ford Expedition
  By Don - August 20 - 12:23 am

  I owned a 2004 Expedition until I bought the 2017 Platinum, I was concerned about the change to the V-6 turbo from the traditional Expedition V-8, as I had recently driven the Mercedes GLS450 which has a similar V-6 engine and I found it to be tentative and doggy off the line. The Expedition is anything but that... responsive, light on its feet, powerful, it exceeded my expectations. The interior is well done and extremely comfortable. Suspension is sportier than my 2004 Expeditions, its perfect. Its a beautiful car/truck, with plenty of room. I test drove it and knew immediately I had to get it.